With the sauna boom, the term “totonou” — meaning the refreshed and balanced state achieved after a sauna session — has become more familiar.
The key to this sensation lies in the “outdoor air bath” enjoyed after time in the sauna and cold plunge pool.
Many people may have heard of it but don’t fully understand it,
or have tried it without quite grasping the technique.
In this article, we will carefully introduce the basics of the outdoor air bath, the special appeal unique to Hokkaido’s environment,
■ What Is an Outdoor Air Bath? The Mechanism Behind “Totonou”
An outdoor air bath is the time spent resting your mind and body outdoors after warming up in the sauna and refreshing yourself in the cold plunge.
By cycling through sauna, cold bath, and outdoor air bath, the sympathetic nervous system (active during work or stress) and the parasympathetic nervous system (active during rest) are smoothly balanced, improving blood circulation.
If you move immediately after the cold bath, this nervous system transition may not complete fully, making the outdoor air bath an essential final step in the cycle.
The gentle, soothing comfort; the feeling of a clear, refreshed mind; and sometimes a mysterious sensation of your body floating lightly—these all characterize the “totonou” state.
Simply reclining in a chair or bed while feeling the breeze allows you to momentarily escape the busyness of everyday life.
There are no complicated rules to follow, and even beginners can naturally enjoy the outdoor air bath, making it truly appealing.
■ Enjoying “Totonou” Surrounded by Nature—Only Possible at a Golf Course
One of the charms of Hayakita Country Club is being able to enjoy both golf and sauna in one location.
In 2025, our sauna underwent a renewal,
featuring a Harvia sauna stove and allowing guests to enjoy self-löyly (steam pouring).
The classic cycle of “sauna → cold plunge → outdoor air bath”
can be savored here amidst the natural beauty of Hokkaido, creating a unique experience only at Hayakita Country Club.
Thanks to the golf course setting, you can enjoy a slightly different connection with nature compared to ordinary sauna facilities.
Especially in the men’s bath area, a new outdoor air bath space has been established, providing a relaxing environment where you can enjoy the fresh Hokkaido breeze.
In the women’s bath, “totonoi chairs” are available inside the bath area, offering a comfortable indoor air bath experience.
■ Savor the Experience Even More After a Day of Golf
After enjoying golf all day, why not add one more pleasure before heading home?
Put down your clubs, sweat it out in the sauna, refresh in the cold bath, and unwind with an outdoor air bath.
Surrounded by expansive natural scenery and the crisp Hokkaido air, you can enjoy a different way of experiencing this beautiful region.
■ Now, Take the Step to Your Outdoor Air Bath Debut
An outdoor air bath requires no special skills—anyone can naturally enjoy its comfort.
From the warmth of the sauna, to the chill of the cold bath, to the fresh outdoor air—
Hayakita Country Club’s sauna allows you to savor each step immersed in Hokkaido’s nature.
Whether you are a sauna enthusiast or new to outdoor air baths, you will surely have a pleasant and refreshing time with us.
We hope that visitors from inside and outside Hokkaido will consider
Hayakita Country Club as their next destination to enjoy the combined delights of “Golf × Sauna” and the unique experience of “Totonou.”
